UPDATED & EXPANDED: At least multimillionaire Michael Moore didn’t have the chutzpah to sue Harvey and Bob Weinstein in a court in New York City where they’re based. Because I bet there’s no way a jury in the urban center that suffered through the attack on the World Trade Center twin towers would give Moore a penny. Today, Moore filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and fraud arising out of his audit of his controversial war on terror documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. Moore is seeking at least $2.7 million from the Weinstein Brothers in what he claims are “rerouted” and unpaid profits. Why is it I think Harvey has finally met his match in Michael, and vice versa? The Weinsteins have already paid Moore $19.8 million for his backend profit participation in the movie. Further, the bros are bitching that they were blindsided by the lawsuit: the Weinsteins for the past six months offered to go to mediation on what their reps are calling a “standard accounting dispute” — isn’t that what studios and producers always claim? — but Moore kept rejecting that. Even more bizarrely, as recently as last week, the Weinsteins were chatting with Moore about doing another movie together because insiders tell me that Moore next wants to direct a fictional feature film. (Of course, some partisan circles found the Fahrenheit 9/11 documentary to be claptrap exploitation while others saw it as courageous exposure. But I digress.)

Now the Weinsteins will have their Hollywood pitbull litigator Bert Fields defend them against Moore. “He made $19.8 million in backend profit on a 9/11 movie. And now he wants to beat up the Weinsteins for another couple of million dollars,” an insider complains to me tonight. “He redefines the term greedy for someone in this business who claims to be a Mr. Poverty indie documentary filmmaker.”

But Moore’s attorney Larry Stein’s statement noted this is the first time Michael has ever sued anyone in his 20-year career as a filmmaker. “That should be some indication about how serious this is,” Stein said. “An independent auditor came in and discovered that the Weinsteins had re-routed at least $2.7 million dollars that belonged to Michael Moore from Fahrenheit 9/11… It’s very sad it had to come to this. Michael believes the Weinsteins have been a force for good when it comes to championing independent film — but that does not give them the right to violate a contract and take money that isn’t theirs.”

Recent Comments

Wall Street gave more $$ to Obama than they ever did to anyone else in 2008.

CeeDee

3 years

Leftists live on telling other people what they should do with THEIR money. Moore is hypocrisy personified.

amitore locato

3 years

I'll like to know how much money "This Fat Pig" gives to the poor, and how much...

Trust me, Hollywood accounting tricks are terrible and widespread and lousy for filmmakers who routinely get cheated. And hard to figure out who’s more unpopular: Moore in Red States, or the Weinsteins in Hollywood. I last year opined that people do business with the Weinsteins’ companies often do so at their peril and that my past reporting shows that almost everyone who trusts them lives to regret it, especially the moviemakers who believe Harv’s big promises and then come running to Deadline to complain.

[To anybody who thinks I’ve gone soft on the Weinsteins, you must be new Deadline readers. The fact is that no one wrote harsher articles about the indie movie studio’s 2009 meltdown: the massive layoffs, revolving door executives, and movie release schedules in shambles. The Weinsteins spent most of that year promising filmmakers a theatrical release then not doing it and, in some cases, dumping the pics straight to video. It was a very ugly situation not affecting Michael Moore. On the other hand, no one wanted to see a buyer leave what is already a dwindling marketplace for creative community output. So The Weinstein Co’s 2010 financial restructuring was greeted with mostly relief. And at the Sundance Film Festival this year, TWC was back as a major buyer.]

Now a court will decide who’s right and who’s wrong if there’s no quick settlement. But that’s not the issue that most bothers me here. Rather, it’s a matter of appearances. Granted this is only my opinion, but insiders tell me that Moore has pocketed almost $48 million from his recent movies with the Weinsteins and Overture, including his 2009 Capitalism: A Love Story indicting the U.S. economic system and capitalists in particular. Yet here is the same filmmaker who 21 years ago cultivated an image as a Man Of The People with Roger & Me and keeps it going — but is really a capitalist of the highest order. (His 2004 film in question Fahrenheit 9/11 made $222.4 million in box office, a windfall that the Weinsteins reaped as well since this is still the highest-grossing documentary in history.) I’m not saying Moore shouldn’t go after money that’s legitimately his. But this appearance of hypocrisy is why so much of America hates Hollywood.

1,043 Comments

Montego • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

huge surprise from this “man of the people”

Unclear • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

??? Whats wrong with being paid what you’re rightfully owed?

foxyB • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nikki, you’re great BUT –
what difference does it make that they’ve already paid him $19MM? I have to agree with @unclear on this one – what’s wrong with being paid what you’re rightfully owed?
Whether he’s anti-capiltalist or not, if they still owe him money, they need to pay him. What he does with the money after that may or may not be philanthropic, but that’s besides the point.

jacob • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

While I agree he should be paid for his work. His argument is the height of hypocrisy. He rails against the Capitalist system, and then sues his business partner when he feels like he didn’t get all that capitlaist dough he was owed. Hypocrit.

Spanky1738 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Jacob, please explain what capitalist dough is. I’m curious… does it look different from what you get paid for your job? Does it come from a different place? Made with different paper or inks? Different denominations? Maybe there are different faces on them?

Homey442 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I have not and will not EVER watch a Michael Moore movie, but since when has anyone ever assumed that these Hollyweird nutjobs are anything but liars in the first place? They make money by telling stories, exploiting an audience looking for diversion, and doing whatever it takes to put people in seats. It makes no difference what he believes – he has found a socialist niche to exploit and has been doing it for some time. As long as the uninformed masses pay to see his movies, he will continue to make this drivel and get paid for doing it. Solution? Vote with your wallet and stop watching his crap.

Eli • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

So true!!! How do these dimwits get away with saying ‘down with capitalism’ and then turn right around and want or make millions? Say it Michael, you’re a closet capitalist! If you aren’t then you are a hypocrite.

david5300 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

DITTO just DITTO

Lysander • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Because Moore is disgustingly hypocritical and his audience is either mentally challenged, naive or opportunists with a political agenda, doesn’t make him any less of a capitalist, albeit an amateur. Philosophically however, he probably doesn’t have a clue.

jfk • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

It is hardly hypocrisy to play by the rules of the system he seeks to destroy. Right now, it is the only game. By your logic all socialists, communists, etc should just roll over and bite the pillow. That ain’t right. What is amazing is that he expects to win within the very system that he’s done such a good job of eviscerating for its inherent inequities. Good luck with that.

Moore Scrutinizer • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He never got a dime out of me and never will.
His distortions of the facts causes me to dislike his (work)

Stan • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If you were in his shoes, would you really say, “well it’s only $2.7M they cheated me out of?”

JIMSTER • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

NOTHING WRONG WITH CAPITALISM…..THEIVERY IS ANOTHER DEAL ENTIRELY. DIDN’T THE BROS. ADMIT TO THE ERROR?

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

while this goes against the principles that he seems to hold so high two things are true
1. this is is work and he should get as much out of it financially as he can
2. he probably knows that if the money goes else where it will be used for things that he doesn’t approve of or is against.

the media is the devil and when you dance with the devil….

i don’t think there is anything wrong with what he is doing…. it surprises me that he wouldn’t have expected this before signing on with these people… he ain’t to bright…. just a lucky opportunist.

Mario • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Well put…He must get paid, but he does look like a hypocrit!

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, but at least he stood up for his beliefs as opposed to succumbing to capitalistic tendencies: he chose to sue his partners for a (relatively) small amount of money on principle (even though less extreme alternatives were available) without consideration for the fact that he was cutting off his main distribution channel, which will obviously never work with him again. Glad he’s so principled…

JackB • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Doesn’t this money actually belong to the government so that it can be redistributed and used for poor out of work Michigan residents and victims of capitalism everywhere?

waaaaaaa ? • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Simple answer? In the trend of “Anti-capitalism”, Moore has more money than he should have, so he should be happy with what he has, and that money should go to other people.

j jivin c • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, In this Obama age of redistabution of wealth, why should Moore get to keep the near 20 million he already collected from his “film”? At least 19 million should have been given to others? Given his pro obama stance, when is he going to listen to the first lady and quit stuffing his fat face with food Michelle does not approve of?

DonnieB • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hey maybe all his followers should listen to one other mental giants that stand shoulder to shoulder with him. Roseann Barr thinks these greedy people should be beheaded. I wonder if Moore would like this operation performed on him?

What a bunch of hypocritical socialists. Makes me sick.

Steveman • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore has been very clear that he’s stoked on how much money he makes. A big argument in the capitalism movie was that they weren’t taxing his fortune enough.

bob • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I can’t believe the hypocrisy of complaining you aren’t taxed enough while pocketing millions(Buffet does this as well). If you think gov’t doesn’t get its fair share – then write them a check. But shut up until you do and leave the rest of us alone so we can take care of our families.

Wideband • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He’s free to give as much of his earnings to the government as he wants. Why wait to be taxed? Capitalism may be the only game in town, but no law says you have to keep the money. Matter of fact, Moore and other socialist celebs should give all they own to the government (charities would do as well, but that’s not in their philosophy), and keep $50K a year to live on (you know, like average Americans), and bask in the glow of having done so much for their fellow man.

Scott • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I think the Weinstein’s were just engaging in a little philanthropic redistribution. I mean, doesn’t that slob promote sharing the wealth amid his “anti-greed” diatribes?
I mean, seriously? How much is enough Michael? $19.8M apparently isn’t enough for you, yet you want my taxes raised to pay for your progressive social agenda? I hope the court awards him damages in the amount of $5.79 so he can go buy a #3 at McDonald’s to shove in his cake hole and shut him up.

THOMAS E .PHILLIPS • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

YOU HAVE TO BE A LION TO SURVIVE,NOT ABOUT THE MONEY IT’S THE POWER

Jasin • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

For an honest man there is nothing wrong with going after money your owed, but Moore is the pure definition of hypocrisy. He publicly denounced the Michigan tax breaks for movies while applying for them himself, he promotes himself as anti-capitalism, while trying to squeeze every dime he can from business partners.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

FORGET HIS PARTNER,HE JUST REFUSES TO BE HELD BACK BY IDIOTS

windigo • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Just because you refuse to acknowledge the hypocrisy of this man, doesn’t make the hypocrisy go away.

Dorothy Kuns • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

But…but…Michael Moore is the one who supports so wholeheartedly redistribution of wealth! Who is this supposedly owed money going to go to? Millionaire Michael Moore or the poor? He is the biggest two-faced, self-serving, lying bu**head I’ve ever heard of, with the exception of our Congress and current Administration. He needs to get off the cross. Some poor people need the wood.

spikebu • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I love it! It’s now October, and we do need the wood. Tired of all these pretenders hanging themselves on a cross. I know the money Michael Moore earned is going nowhere but his own pocket. He says it’s dirty, but he keeps it. The Dude must be Catholic. Take your guilt elsewhere, Mr Moore. We don’t need it.

Don • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Why. Is it ok to get paid when your a fat socialist slob but not OK if you are a hard working American? Mike is a total slob bitching at Americans when he profits big from the system he hates so much! Just makes no sense.

spikebu • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

It is NOT beside the point. It IS the point. How can you listen to somebody preaching about the evils of capitalism, while your preacher is raking in the profits of capitalism? And he’s not satisfied with that, he wants MORE. Do you subscribe to the “Do as I say, not as I do” philosophy? You are either for Capitalism or against it. There’s no in between. Michael Moore is so for Capitalism, he sees the dollar signs in denying it. Everything he says makes me want to vomit. But, he’s raking in the bucks, isn’t he? How does an Anti-Capitalist in the entertainment industry make a profit? He lies. Through his nose! He’s laughing at all of us. He’s got millions, and we got his crappy movies. Huh.

Gary • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Making a profit from the deaths of so many. That is what is wrong. This guy is only after his…period. Greed. I will never watch. rent or ever put a dime in his pocket.

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

So you’re saying the Weinsteins didn’t profit from the movie?

What bull.

If he’s owed the money he should be paid the money.

ktyboff • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Does the same go for Sarah Palin? HYPOCRIT

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Don’t you believe (like Moore) that the greedy should have their wealth stripped from them and spread around to the “needy”?

spikebu • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Did Sarah Palin make a movie? Must have missed it. The Weinsteins are entitled to their profits, just as Mr. Moore is. What is unpalatable is being told doing what Mr. Moore and the Weinsteins did is wrong, because it makes a profit. We are being told what’s good for the goose is DEADLY to the gander. I don’t buy it. My mind is far more open than Mr. Moore’s. The man has an agenda. Does anybody deny that?

daniel • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

people make profit off of other people’s deaths all the time, and in ever more horrendous and direct ways than a documentary film. if you want to take a stand against something it seems a waste of time to do so against a film that hasn’t caused the death of a single person when i suppose you buy into a government whose defense contracts make direct money off of war and destruction.

Hyman Roth • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The abortion industry makes more in a day than the defense industry makes in a month. Show a little intellectual honesty when you get all preachy on me…. And if you think the abortion industry is not government sponsored then you are a fool.

CoachEJK • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You call this a documentary? I’ll be you voted for the Great Oz.

J • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Daniel, it is because of war you enjoy the freedom and standard of living in AMERICA, and not New Britain, New Spain, or the German Empire. In other words, without war America wouldn’t exist. War is a necessary evil, and if companies are contracted to make equipment then shouldn’t they make a profit for their time, labor, and expertise? Also, who are you to say that the film hasn’t caused a single death? Obviously it didn’t directly, but it may have indirectly by being used as a recruiting tool for those groups that are in opposition to America. Iran’s President claims 9/11 was done by American’s and then blaimed Muslims. You don’t think this film adds fuel to his fire and any others? You don’t think that increasing the fire might increase the deaths? It might even be because of this film he started saying it in the first place.

jpk • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Your invincible ignorance will never be enlighten

Incredulous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore has never made a documentary in his life. He is a propagandist in the worst sense of the word. Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Goebbels would be so proud of him.

spikebu • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Name a film that has caused the death (other than an accident) of anybody? They do make direct profits off of the tragedy of real people. What is it you think Michael Moore’s film does? Because he says what you think, he’s not greedy? He hasn’t profited off of our dead soldiers? Just cause he says it doesn’t make it so. Go learn it for yourself. Don’t listen to me, don’t listen to Moore. Learn it for yourself. You have a wonderful name. Go and learn.

marco • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

..and so does movies about iraq/afghanistan wars..

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hyman Roth – Your comment doesn’t make sense when you claim the “abortion industry makes more in a day than the defense industry makes in a month”. With 1.5 mil abortions per year at $500-700 each comes to about $1 billion total. Our defense budget for 2011 is $712 billion. The Defense department spends more in 1 day than the “abortion industry” rakes in all year.

James B • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He’s not making profits off of death, he was bringing awareness to a lot of strange, still unknown information regarding the biggest event in our country’s history thus far…

It’s funny too, god forbid they raise taxes on the wealthiest people by 4% then the Conservatives/Republicans go batsh*t, but a guy looking for proper compensation for work he did gets demonized? Thats hypocritical.

If he’s owed money, then he deserves his money. Not that big a deal but of course Drudge has to have it as the top of it’s news reel. Drudge is such an extreme conservative page dedicated to hating liberals similar to Huffington Post being the extreme opposite.

We need a moderate reporting page that tackles real issues…Drudge having this as the top news with all else going on in the world should open everyone’s eye’s to how callous and insignificant it is.

James B. • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Even worse, of all the picture Drudge could use he blatantly puts one of the building on fire to reignite the angst we all feel on that day. When I brought up the site I thought there was real news I was being linked to….Michael Moore?!?! Good reporting Drudge….your on top of it I see.

bill • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hey Junior,
I’m thinking those who fought the revolution or civil war, WW1 or WW2, or lived through the depression might argue with you that this was the biggest event of the country’s history.
Child.

christine52 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

insignificant? Moore is trying to capitalize on a horrific event and then tries to claim people on wallstreet are out of control!? he needs to look in the mirror…he’s nothing but a bloated capitalist himself!

bruce • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Making a profit from the deaths of so many.

Well, let’s see. Should we sue John Wayne’s estate for the tens of millions of dollars he made killing off Indians and the countless Germans and Japanese? While we’re at it, we should also sue Audie Murphy and then the hundreds of directors and actors of all the war/violent movies that have ever been made based on real events where deaths occured? Hell, lets make it everyone involved from the grips on up, after all, they all made a profit on the deaths of others.

Sorry, this isn’t about making a profit on the deaths of so many, it’s about not letting someone take something that you believe is rightfully yours.

Chris Fuller • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Amen!

DHale • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You’re exactly right. He should do his part for humanity and disappear.

Chris Fuller • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I’m with you Gary, he will NEVER get a single dime from me. He is a complete hypocrite. If he was who he represents himself to be he wouldn’t want any of the dirty profit. He’s nothing but a capitalist pig himself! hahahahaha What a joke!

Sharon • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This is what the health care industry, amongst many others does every single day! Are you going to opt out of those also? If he’s owed money, he should be paid. Period.

len • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes , he is the worst of the worst , morally , spiritually defunct.

Buzz • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Making money from 9/11 … you mean like Haliburton/Cheney, Bush and the Saudis too right?

ryan • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

In war everyone but the soldiers and the civilians in harms’ way, profit.How much money and/ore notoriety have the people who amde Loose Change made? How much as the makers of Zeitgeist made? Cindy Sheehan? If the direct financial gain is small, the fame and subsequent career opportunities are not.

War is a trough that many pigs feed at–Left and Right.

Naivebear • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Can you prove this statement? Or was this just your (This is what I heard on the street) opinion?

WagTheDog • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You forgot Silverstein and the Israelis.

Peter • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Your kidding right. Do you know how many billions of dollars have been made off of 9/11? Wake up. This is the “New World Order” — quoting the first President George Bush.

Tiffany • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What’s wrong is, the Weinsteins were trying to settle it and Moore was saying no he didn’t want to hear it. He refused to do this civilly, instead he is going for the attention of the media so he can see his ugly mug and name in the spotlight once more. He’s spending thousands upon thousands of dollars to jam up our court system (ie wasting OUR tax dollars) over an accounting mistake the Weinsteins were willing to look at and rectify. If someone makes a mistake and admits it and wants to rectify the situation fully, they should be allowed to.

Unless he is referring to opportunity costs for the courtroom (built by taxpayer dollars, heated/air conditioned by taxpayer dollars, toilets that flush because taxpayers pay the water and sewage bill); the judge and court staff (paid by taxpayers)’ all the paperwork that requires hours and hours of taxpayer-paid employees, etc. All that could be used in another case. Sure, the parties pay the court fees, that doesn’t mean the court’s time isn’t being wasted.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

That is bull. If the lawyers were the only people in the courtroom I would agree. It takes alot of people even in a civil case.

Tax dollars are wasted by taking up the courts time, the expense of salaries of civil servants involved, and the wasted opportunity for legitimate need to utilize the courts

britinfl • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Ah – so the court staff including the judge are paid from the fees collected by the court huh? Presuably that covers their pensions and medical insurance too!! Now tell me again that not a dime of taxpayers money is going towards this case.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Your tax dollars are “wasted”; the judge needs to be paid, the baliff, the clerk, etc… Even if “court costs” are levied, they don’t equal the amount of actual costs. I’m sure there are more important things for the courts to worry about.

He may deserve to be paid- but court should be the last effort, not the first.

The Geezer • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Judges, bailiffs, court clerks and recorders, and the court itself are all paid from tax dollars.

vic • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Who do you think are paying the judge, the court reporter, and for all the paper work, we are.

James Baker • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Umm. THE FACT that they are GOING to court, means that the COURT is using time/money/space that IS funded by the taxpayer. But thats ok, Moore is all about the taxpayer funding everything for everyone.
There is a reason for April Fools day. Ceasar was critisized by the comedians of the day. Ceasar said:”if you can do better for one day, then you can run the show”. BUT…. Clowns couldn’t run the empire.
A lesson Moore should listen to, learn, read. That is, …. if he can put down the double decker cheeseburger and fries long enough to actually read something other than his own personal Communist Manifesto.

stee • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Are you two suggesting the Judge and court officers would have the day off if Moore wasn’t suing? I don’t think it works that way.

Larry • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Arbitration and mediation processes are frequently stacked against the one with the claim. You have to see what is the process for selecting arbitrators. I think that the claim that Moore is greedy when he discerns cause for being screwed is absurd. This is probably a big step to take for Moore to sue someone who has helped with his success in the past (and perhaps that was at least partly in Weinstein’s own self interest). I don’t presume Moore is either right or wrong in this instance, but the same goes for Weinstein either. To assume that Moore is greedy because he discerns that he has been screwed is just plain ignorant. Why should Weinstein be presumed to be an angel. He’s just as human as the rest of us. What’s wrong with him defending himself in court. Why does anyone have to in advance make presumptions of right or wrong of either party. How about just having an open mind?

Timba • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Because Moore is a verified Socialist. Why in the world should he care about a few million due him? Moore is hypocrisy DEFINED. For that matter, he should be donating his millions to all the poor he supposedly champions. And I mean millions to the point where he lives just like they do. Like a nice little home in Flint, where he belongs. But no, Moore lives like a Soviet Communist Party member, in opulence, while people he supposedly represents can deal with their little lives. You bet I have an “open mind”, and that’s to the reality that Moore is a hypocrite and ass of monumental proportions—in more ways than one.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“Hey! I know you accidentally stole $2.7 Million from me, but I’ll settle for only $1.3M… You can keep the other $1.3M that you stole, which you owe me”… huh?

Moore-onic • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I can’t stand him, but he should be paid what he is owed if indeed he is owed it.

julesfromny • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Tiffany, I’m afraid you’re being naive. There are words you cannot write next to “Weinsteins”: words like “settle civilly” or “accounting mistake”.
The Weinsteins have pretty much tricked every director who worked for them out of some backend profit. Pretty rare to have someone come after them. I have no problem with the fact that that “someone” is Moore. He may be accused of selling out (but who’s to judge what’s he’s supposed to do with his money?) or profiting from 9/11 (would you rather have the Weinsteins profiting?), but he earned that money.

CeeDee • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Leftists live on telling other people what they should do with THEIR money. Moore is hypocrisy personified.

JD • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hey it’s cool. Pay him his 2.7M, but pass on his next movie or renogitiate the contract. There is nothing wrong about getting the money you deserve, but there is loyalty and biting the hand that feeds you.

Joe Dirt • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Apparently nothing- as long as you’re a Liberal. Heck- you can even get more than you’re owed. Or money for doing absolutely nothing at all, for that matter!

i’m independent but i have noticed that liberal states pay WAY more than their fair share in taxes than the poor (and increasingly poorly educated red states). so conservatives need to stop accusing liberals of getting something for nothing. it’s actually the other way around. hypocrites!

Are you Sure? • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What statistics do you have to back up your claim that “Red states have worsening education?” Seems to me that the majority of uneducated people come from the biggest of cities; mostly in BLUE states. And Liberals are the champions of “something for nothing.” Just look at all the handouts most BLUE states have for their “Less fortunate” citizens.

clear • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Unclear said “??? Whats wrong with being paid what you’re rightfully owed?”

You could say the same thing about drug companies and all the other people Moore likes to demonize with his propaganda films. I am sure everybody thinks they are “rightfully owed” what they have received. The issue is that Moore talks about “greed” and pretends to be a common man and then after making $19.8 million ON ONE MOVIE, he sues to get $2 million Moore. How much is enough for a “man of the people” who denounces greed? Most Americans won’t make $1.9 million (10% of Moore’s take on one movie) in their lifetime. I would love to see Moore’s tax return. I’ll bet he gives nothing to charity and tries to dodge as many taxes as he can. HYPOCRITE to the millionth degree.

Reading between the lines, I think Unclear likes Moore’s films. Unclear, if you like his films you are a dolt. They are pure propaganda, and I’m not saying that because I disagree with his point of view…

John Leonard • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Excellent point.

If you want to know more about Moore’s hypocrisy, the book “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” profiles him and other liberals. I think it has Al Gore’s tax return to show how little he gave to charity, but with MM it showed how he takes the profits from his films and buys stock in the companies he tears to shreds.

Which makes one wonder…insider trading is illegal. Shouldn’t deliberating trashing a company to drive down its stock price and then buying that stock be illegal as well?

DanaDee • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Thank you! At last, an answer to the question that even liberals should be able to understand!

Joshua • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The comparison with drug companies is a poor one. Seeing a film is a totally discretionary purchase. Purchasing drugs may be a necessity for survival, or to be able to function passibly.
Also, Moore pretty much puts his products together himself, whereas drug companies often benefit from prior biological research financed by taxpayers.

I also question the reasoning that says that someone whose origins are working class, and whose political opinions are progressive, is a hypocrite for becoming wealthy (unless he has taken a vow of poverty) and for insisting on further payment as per his contract.

Godtalkradio • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

To be fair…Mr. Moore is a gracious giver. Isn’t he the one who paid for Julian Assange’s (Wikileak) bail out? Probably to make money no doubt, but also because he is a kind, thoughtful, selfless man of the people.

Spaulding • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Let’s just call it, “Capitalism, a Love Story.”

Jim B • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

BINGO !

maggie • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

no, liberal greed it what it is. Stop defending this asshole

MikeG • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, Oh Yes! lol. Such love.

James Trimm • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

>??? Whats wrong with being paid what you’re rightfully owed?

Nothing… if you are a Capitalist…. but Moore is openly anti-Capitalism!

Mary • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If Michael Moore is owed money, he has a right and a duty to pursue what he believes is due him. That’s not about capitalism. That’s an ethical thing.

marythinksnot • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

A person has a duty to pursue what he believes is due him? Really? Where does this duty come from? I love it when people don’t think about what they write before posting it…

Spaulding • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You could also say that about businesses that produce goods, services, and jobs for people.

FattyMoore • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Who’s ethics? Moore’s ethics would have one believe that in many cases people shouldn’t profit. He attacks corporate executives for profiting, when that money is legally and ethically theirs. He is no Robin Hood, he is just a fat bastard that knows the art of capitalizing off communism. It’s the liberal way.

Spaulding • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Don’t forget Mike is pulling in a ton of dough from that other movie he made, “Supersize Me.”

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, Dummy, it is about Capitalism. In a truly socialist system, the court system would laugh at you for even trying to bring a suit like this. Instead, they’d take the money that Moore already has, and ‘redistribute’ it to the masses that he exploited for their lousy $10.00.

Greg • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Ethics!!!! Are you kidding!? There is nothing in Liberalism that requires ethics. Liberalism is the exact opposite of ethical. You are delusional Mary.

Carlos • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Please check up on Moore’s financial dealings in the past to put this in context. Comrade Moore srewed over many of the participants in Roger and Me and also was a notorious creep when it came to his staff and their pay. He is laughing all the way to the hamburger stand…

As far as his work’s credibility, please try to see documentary by 2 left-wing Canadians called MANUFACTURING DISSENT. They have a story to tell about Mr. Moore that is indeed revealing.

klg1956 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Right, capital (money or operating funds) has nothing to do with capitalism. Making a movie (which is a private enterprise between partners) and you paying to see the movie has nothing to do with capitalism, right? And then suing for what you think you are owed from this private enterprise has nothing to do with capitalism, right? You must be a graduate of an American school with a 4.9 GPA…all extra credit, right? What is your area of expertise, liberal arts? Are you a teacher too? Boy, are we in trouble if you are.

Capitalism is an economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for a private profit; decisions regarding supply, demand, price, distribution, and investments are made by private persons in the free market; profit is sent to owners who invest in businesses, and wages are paid to workers employed by businesses and companies.

There is no controversy that private ownership of the means of production, creation of goods or services for profit in a market, and prices and wages are elements of capitalism. Some define capitalism as where all the means of production are privately owned, and some define it more loosely where merely “most” are in private hands.

And don’t tell me Wikipedia is not a good info source because Wikipedia got all of it’s definitions from Webster’s Dictionary. Do you believe in the Webster conspiracy too?

Your comments implies that MM has ethics. Hopefully you did not intend to say that.

robert longspree • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Of course, it is not about the money.

Ethical my ass.

B. H. Obama • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, it is capitalism. In the system Moore wishes to inflict on others, there is no private property, hence you cannot be owed anything.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“Not about capitalism”? It is the definition of the word.

LandSteward • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What is wrong is the fact that Moore, (who studied for the Catholic priesthood), claims to be above all of the earthly foibles that ensnare all of his fellow sojourners. He is as greedy and dishonest a man as the corporate execs and warmongers he villifies in his movies. For someone such as himself, who purports to be saintly, and only doing what is in the best interest of his fellow Americans, to be now suing his business partners over something so small, (in terms of his overall wealth), smacks of hypocrisy. I agree that people should get what they are owed, but if the article is correct, then Moore is in the wrong here since the Weinsteins were willing to mediate. Moore should practice what I’m sure he learned in the Seminary to “turn the other cheek”. Instead he wants to put his name in lights and play the victim.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Mary wrote “If Michael Moore is owed money, he has a right and a duty to pursue what he believes is due him. That’s not about capitalism. That’s an ethical thing”

Only in a captitalist system are people owed money for performing a service. Moore has spoken out time and again against capitalism. He believes that the US should be socialist, a system in which everybody owns everything collectivly, and nobody owns anything individually. If a person can’t legally own anything, you can’t be owed anything. Basicly he is saying that nobody can own everything except for him and the other eliets.

Tony • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“Ethical”?

Ethical would be being HONEST in movies that are called documentaries, rather than having a specific conclusion in mind, then doctoring information obtained to fit the conclusion.

Moore is just like the “global warming” crowd. Screw ethics or facts. We have a point to make!

I think they should just give him the money. Then wish him luck in ever finding a job in Hollywierd again. After he demonstrates how greedy he can be, I’m sure studios and producers will be lining up to deal with him and his next bit of lying propaganda.

Adam • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“If Michael Moore is owed money, he has a right and a duty to pursue what he believes is due him. That’s not about capitalism. That’s an ethical thing.”

Congratulations Mary, you’ve accidentally stumbled onto why people hate Socialism: IT IS IMMORAL. Capitalism (not this current oligarchical, mercantilist type you see at the moment) is a system of morality. The ethics break down very nicely: if you own something capitalism’s fundamental morals will protect it, in socialism (or whatever variation) private property is subject to the whims of whomever is in charge at the moment and for whatever “need” they seem to think the property should be used for.

Mr. Moore has consistently wanted a socialist style system. This is why he is a hypocrite.

Dana • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Wow…using “Michael Moore” and “ethics” in the same sentence. Look at his cut and paste job of 2 DIFFERENT speeches by Charleton Heston in Bowling for Columbine and then tell me about Moore’s ethics.

Seriously? • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What does capitalism have to do with fraud?

Er… oh yeah.

LibertyLover • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You got that right – Moore is a major-league hypocrite, unless he’s sharing his largesse with all the little people. Still…doesn’t it seem wrong that anyone would “profit” from 9-11?

god bless Michael Moore • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Libertylover said: Still…doesn’t it seem wrong that anyone would “profit” from 9-11?

Tell it to Halliburton, buddy, tell it to Halliburton.

Yukkione • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore has NEVER been against capitalism. If you had seen any of his movies or interviews you would see he is against unregulated, and exploitative capitalism. If a guy is owed money then he should be paid.

Japes Macfarland` • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The man capitalizes on compassion. He is an ethically disgusting human being who feeds off of lies, used to manipulate other’s decent intentions for his own and left’s power mongering ends. You are a “useful idiot”, as Stalin said of those Americans who supported him. Stalin murdered at least 25 million people by the way. You heartless creep.

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I have noticed that conservatives seem to find it physically impossible to post comments here that don’t include raging insults to the person they are responding to.

Capitalism is all fine and dandy to them unless someone they disagree with is the one making the profits. Then they suddenly make an about face and start espousing liberal ideals.

Annoyed • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

@Yukkione…. You’re kidding, right? The film industry is one of the least regulated industries in the nation. So why isnt he in favor of greater regulation of his own industry? The man is a sack of pus which badly needs lancing. He doesn’t even live by his own vaunted principles. I hope his dick falls off.

les • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Mr. Moore twists absolutely everything to his benefit, in order to make boatloads of dough off his fraudulent films. “Sicko”? Yeah. There is an organization right in his “home town” of Traverse City that provides affordable, and even FREE health care (far better than my Blue Cross coverage, BTW)for the un and underinsured of the 3 county are. He has never ONCE acknowledged them.
He couldn’t, because it would invalidate his lies about the health care system.

john • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

@ Peyton

You can’t see the forest for the trees. People are pissed because MM is a huge hypocrite, that is where the problem lies. Liberals like MM hate America and capitalism, yet have no problem making their own millions here. Just like Arianna Huffington, you just have to love hypocritical limousine liberals. “Do as I say, not as I do”

eduardo • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

So you think that only Capitalists have the right to their money, while who doesn’t agree with wild deregulations should accept their money being stolen by whomever believes in free markets?!?

N,B.
I’m not saying that the Weinstein did it. I’ll let the court judge.

On a side note, people should be appalled that it’s normal -in the US- expecting a different sentence according to what court is working on it!

Kevin • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

@eduardo
No, everyone has a right to “their” money. It’s simply a matter of who “they” is and who “everyone” is.

i.e.
Capitalist: The earner has a right to his earned money.
Anti-capitalist: The COVETER has a right to the earner’s money.

Zoey • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hello?! It’s not “capitalism” to call in a debt.

Conversely, it can be a kind of tyranny not to pay it.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

just because you are against the capitalist system doesn’t mean you take a vow of poverty. michael moore is not rich in comparison to some of the tax dodging companies that are exploiting our system of corporate welfare and monopolies to bleed ordinary middle class families of every last penny. wake up and take a look around you? america is soon going to be a country of poor un-unionized workers with just 1% owning all the wealth. why don’t you conservatives just install a monarchy and be done with it???? you seem to want the feudal system back with aristocrats (wall st) and peasants (everyone else) who should be doffing their caps and grateful for every scrap of bread.

JJStryder • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Anonymous: With the kind of drivel you believe about conservatives. Anonymous you should remain. The total tonnage of your ignorance would shatter a freight train.

CeeDee • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Wall Street gave more $$ to Obama than they ever did to anyone else in 2008.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

That’s so weird since “being paid what you’re rightfully owed” is what he’s against you stupid shill twit.

Isn't irony ironic • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

His friend would say “I do think at a certain point you’ve made enough money,” especially for a guy who hates the capitalist system and thinks everybody else is “greedy.” You didn’t notice the irony?

anotherwgamember • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“You’ve been paid enough?” No. He says he was cheated on a contract. He will be ‘paid enough’ when he is paid what he is owed. Just because he is famous and well paid doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be FULLY paid.

That’s fair enough.

kim • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

But now he loses all ability to criticize any other businessman who goes to court to get what he is rightfully owed no matter how rich & greedy the other guy may be (which if you might not have noticed he makes HIS money off of exposing these people). I don’t think any of the conservatives here are saying anyone shouldn’t get any money they are contractually promised but don’t be a hypocrite about it & gripe about anyone else getting how much they make. He’s lost the right (if he ever had it).

Tom • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He will probably use that money to continue to bring injustices to the big screen, and no doubt, Moore contributes to many causes. Pay what you owe is not an ethical dilemma. Then, when he receives his just reward, let Moore choose what he’s to do with his own money. If there is an argument against that, I don’t know what it is.

Tumbleweednm • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

It’s called “distribution of wealth,” the Bamster is after everybody’s money, why is Moore exempt. He should personally go to the Dept of the Treasury and donate all but 50K to the government. Let him get a taste of what he spews.

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Tumbleweed, maybe you should spend some time actually listening to what he spews before you insult it. Then maybe you’d actually get your insults right. Moore had never espoused giving all ones money away or redistribution of wealth. Is that what Fox News told you he said?

john • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

@ Peyton

Is that what fox told you he said? LOL, what a moronic statement. I love the knee jerk reaction the left has to fox. Do you hate fox because msnbc told you to LOL. Lemming.

Everyone knows MM is a fat, communist,anti-american, rabble-rouser. Fox news didn’t need to tell me that, I figured it own on my own, novel idea huh? Thinking for yourself, try it some time.

mywickedwickedways • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He should give the money to Ray Bradbury,
who was pissed off that Michael Moore ripped off his title!

Fahrenheit 451!
Adapted into a film directed by François Truffaut

Google it, Einsein!
(paid for his work my ars)

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Bradbury has gone on record saying he doesn’t want money.

david • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Agreed. Obviously the writer is biased against Michael Moore.
If it is his money he deserves it. The film grossed over $220 M according to the article. Moore got 19.8 M. Who is being greedy here? Sounds like the Weinsteins! It doesn’t matter to those that say he made enough money. If it is owed to him he should receive.

Good ole American Politics. “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”.

Americans are so divided it is sickening. What would be nice if the Republicans & Democrats actually worked together to better the country. Hell will freeze over before that happens.

motorhed • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

very interesting how folks that either kept their mouths shut or projected “that’s the way it should be” when the Dems were rolling over the Republicans the past two years in Congress, and spewing vile hateful anti conservative/anti President Bush rhetoric for the past 9 or so years (while by the way voting in Congress for all the things they now curse him for [as the majority]), are now saying we all need to work together and the Right needs to stop being so divisive. Do they really think it’s rational that having worked against that very thing for 9 years and especially intensely the past two (Obama/Pelosi/Reid/Frank) that the Democrats should now be blaming the other side for not “meeting in the middle”? It’s childish and disgusting.

Hal • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hell will most definitely freeze over before Michael Moore makes a movie trashing democrats. Where’s the cut of Obama playing golf while America sinks?

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

As long as we work together on what the Democrats want to do do, right?

Doug Lynn • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

222 million gross revenue is irrelevant. There are a lot of people to pay out of the 222 million revenue. Theatres do not show movies for free. What is their cut of the 222 million? What part of the 222 million was spent on advertising and distribution?

This is capitalism at its very worst. What we have here is two parties that are extremely greedy and willing to lie, cheat and steal in every way possible as long as they can do it and still avoid getting arrested. And, of course, both parties think that they are just asking for fairness to win the day.

Adam • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You better believe it won’t happen, pal. I for one refuse to work with anyone who’s basic philosophy makes it acceptable to take from others because they think they are smart enough to “know” where to “reinvest” that money. I think you do no realize that the division is permanent now. There will no longer be any of the exalted “bipartisanship.” Civil War is coming between those that believe in taking and those that believe in earning and keeping. That or top down, authoritative control from a one party system and I’m sure you know which party would be the ruling class in that situation.

Ryan • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing. Calling Michael Moore greedy in the same book as the “Weinsteins” is like calling bambie a meat eater.

Osamas Pajamas • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If Moore’s profiteering depended on telling the exact, precise truth on any subject, he would be the penniless bum that he appears to be.

He’s fighting for folks in HIS income bracket to pay more taxes, which means he is looking to “redistribute” HIS wealth… You have to think on a slightly higher level than Sarah Palin before you comment.

jbsnet • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

yet thinking like Stalin is so intellectually hip…

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If he want to pay more taxes, there is NOTHING stopping Mr. Moore from writing a check to the US Treasury. He is fighting for the government to raise taxes on those making money, any money. He wants the Bush Tax Cuts to expire. When that happens everyone who make over $24K for a family of four (the earned income credit expansions under Bush will disappear with the current tax brackets. He has said nothing about limiting tax shelters that he no doubt enjoys.
He is wealthy enough (“..with a net worth exceeding $50 million.”; retrieved from http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualProfile.asp?indid=899 to invest in municipal bonds and make 2.5 to 3% a year bringing home $1,250,000 to $1.5Mil per year TAX FREE!!

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You don’t have “to fight” to pay more taxes. You can do that on a voluntary basis. If he felt that he wanted to pay more taxes he could pay more taxes voluntarily. But that isn’t what he wants. He wants the Government to force OTHER people, and OTHER businesses to pay more taxes. He is the biggest hypocrite on the planet. He is a greedy, gluttonous, lying, scumbag.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

So you really think that the best way he can redistribute his wealth is to vote for higher taxes? You don’t think that the slightly more direct way of actually giving his money to the needy would be more helpful? If he truly believes that capitalism is evil and that Cuba is the ideal we should all aspire to (which he does) shouldn’t he practice what he preaches and give away all his money but what he “needs”?

mickey smithson • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore doesn’t need to look or to fight for folks in his income bracket to distribute wealth. Believe it or not he (and his ilk) can send the government a big fat check anytime they want. You have to think on a slightly higher level than Joe Biden before you comment.

Tkay • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

That’s what we keep asking mister Moore!!!!!!

PatDen • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing at all is wrong with that. But you’re missing the point – Moore is constantly bashing other people for doing the exact same thing. He’s in the right, but by going this route he’s a hypocrite of the highest order. What’s “Roger & Me” about? Bashing someone for making a good business decision that was their right to do. What’s “Sicko” about? Bashing people who want to keep their own money and make their own medical decisions. And what’s his lawsuit about? Going after people who are largely responsible for his success in order to make a few dollars more. I’m not saying he isn’t in the right, I’m saying he’s a hypocrite for bashing other people who doing the same thing that he’s doing now. Capitalism is capitalism. It’s not evil when someone else does it and saintly when he does. In fact, it’s not bad at all.

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You have just made it abundantly clear that you have never watched any of those movies..

D. • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

@Peyton, you have made it abundantly clear you did not read what was posted either. I’ve actually watched all of Moore’s movies and what PatDen posted makes perfect sense.

I also did a quick scan of posts here and it seems you are posting like a madman. Moore can handle himself and doesn’t need you to protect him.

geoff • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

exactly. if ANYONE negatively commenting on MM’s suit would honestly turn away from $2.7 million dollars that is contractually theirs, they can criticize MM all they want. Please answer that question first (you, too, Nikki) before railing against him.

jbs • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I say this about my tax bill every year. I earned it, I should be able to keep it! I don’t mind paying my fair share, but so should EVERYONE! …and we are talking about allot less than 2.7m

jimmjim • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Making money off of a slaughter? Screw that slob.

sam8131 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Like Obama says – yhe money should be spread down to the little people!

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, after you earn a certain amount you have had enough. Why doesn’t he offer to give all of his earnings to the Government to help pay for the public healthcare that he wants?

Hal • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Paid for what you earned? What a concept. Next you’ll be saying you should be able to keep the taxman out of your pocket.

(Well, maybe for Michael Moore types, but not for the little people.)

ben • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore is a scumbag (but the Hollywood studios aren’t exactly angels themselves) but he made a deal and he’s got a right to pursue this in court.

It is, however, funny to see the legal travails of this “man of the people.”

Debby • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Perhaps he is doing this on principle. A lot of people complain they don’t get the royalties they are due, and for many these royalties DO make a difference. Only people like Moore can pursue this, because those who are negatively impacted don’t have the deep pockets for litigation. Hope it all works out.

Dave • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You’re missing the point: He thinks it is his, they don’t.

If it is his, so be it. BUT the bottom line doe not change: Moore is a selfish, egotistical, greedy socialist pig who is not worthy of living in this country. He should live in Cuba and see what happens to him when he tries to use his “art” to speak out against their large companaies and government

Grant • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing at all is wrong with being paid what you are rightfully owed…unless you subscribe to the Moore philosophy.

Check out his next film … “Capitalism : It is only moral when I engage in it.”

hypocrit finder • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing is wrong, unless you are a liberal hypocrit like moore. Hypocrisy is just racism with a halo!

John Galt • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing is wrong with being paid what you are due for a capitalist venture. However, you don’t earn nearly 50 million bucks in the capitalist system while claiming the system is evil and should be replaced by a system in which everyone is a slave to the state and makes slave wages. It is the pure, utter, unadulterated filthy hypocrisy that is being addressed here…not the system that Moore so loudly reviles while richly reaping its rewards.

Drew • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

How can so many of you miss the point? Moore, who claims to be an anti-capitalist, makes millions of dollars by calling other people, who also want to get paid what they are owed for their products, “greedy.” This is purely hypocritical! But apparently we live in a society where as long as you agree with my politics you can do whatever you want with no criticism from me even though you do the exact same thing as the people I do criticize.

Obamababymamadrama • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Bingo! somebody give this man a prize… Like two free tickets to a Michael Moore film… Those are free right? I mean, hey… if health care should be free, shouldn’t a Michael Moore Documentary be free? It’s not like Mike had to endure 14 years of Film School, (he’s actually a UofM dropout) or work 72 hour shifts for peanuts as he worked to pay off his school loans.

Watching a documentary about other people should surely be free, I mean, he didn’t pay the people who appeared in his films did he? You think Roger got a check? If I was Roger, I’d be suing Mike for a portion of the proceeds of Roger and Me, after all, he’s a titled actor!

Ed • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing. The problem here is Michael Moore indicts capitalism as an economic model on the screen while using it to thrive personally behind the camera. Is that not the definition of hypocrisy?

capital • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Why doesn’t he want to spread the wealth? Because its his!

Bob • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothings wrong with getting paid for what you earned. Why doesn’t M. Moore want any of the rest of us to get paid what we are owed? He thinks it’s the govts obligation to take away what we earn and give it to someone else.

Paul • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Give me a break. I suffered through this ridiculous piece of film making (as luck would have it, I found a pirated copy so I didn’t have to add to his 19.8 mil). How ironic, This “man of the people” who would be first in line to berate any corporate CEO for stock options and bonus needs more compensation. Do yo need any more proof of what a hipocrit this person is. I’m waiting for the news that he was caught possesing an illegal firearm.

PACoug • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If you’re a capitalist, there’s nothing wrong with being paid what you’re owed. If you’re a communist, you should get $5 an hour just like everybody else.

BillyG • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing’s wrong with being paid what you’re owed. He just needs to shut his pontificating mouth from now on when he talks about greedy businesses. They are no worse than him.

kerry • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The problem is that this Chutzpah is always claiming he isnt doing it for the money. Basically as is typical of people of his ilk is that he doesn’t practice what he preaches.

Roger B. Smith • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

NOTHING!!

Now, i’m going to go watch a rerun of Roger & Me.

LORI • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

SOUNDS LIKE HE ENJOYS “CAPITALISM” WHAT A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AMERICA IS. YOU CAN COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SYSTEM THEN ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF CAPITALISM hE SHOULD SHARE THE WEALTH.

JustMe • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You mean like the insurance industry, for that matter ANY business in a capitalist country Moore hates because in his eyes they are all greedy bastards – So what is Mr. Moore?

eman • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The problem is that Michael Moore is a HUGE critic of capitalism. He says that the poor suffer due to the greed of the rich…so why is he fighting for many more millions? People might feel different if he was donating his money to charity. He’s just your typical
Hollywood hypocrite.

Steve • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Whats wrong with people making money off of a tragedy? That’s the question you should be asking. What a doosh!

Bill • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What Moore loves is controversey and publicity… it sells! This is his pitch for everyone to get mad at him because of the “hypocracy” of it all. What this will get is sales up. He is probably in cahoots with the people he’s sueing so they both profit more for Moore.

MICHAEL • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Because he makes all these movies about how bad “big” business is and how they have the nerve to make a profit and here he is sueing someone over profits. He’s a hypocrite.

Eric • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing. Unless of course you take Moore at his written word rather than his actions.

Mike • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Ask Moore….he hates all capitalists except himself.

Mitchell • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This industry is making money off 9/11 that they didn’t earn, we should take both of their profits and bonuses like wall street and big oil to give them to the people. Oh suppose that is only for the rest of us…..

Gina101 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing’s wrong with profit. It’s just a tad, um, hypocritical when you rail others about their “obscene” profits. Good for him. Now he should shut the hell up about others including corporations making profits because apparently, he likes his.

amtr • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The indignation isn’t over the money owed, rather it is over a man who made money in a movie telling you, “It was impossible to be a millionaire”. Yet, he became a multi-millionaire. His ranting’s over the evils of U.S. capitalism rings hollow considering the incredible wealth he has managed to accumulate. Moore is a hypocrite exploiting the masses for his own enrichment. In other words he is a typical Liberal Democrat whose greed in light of his rantings is offensive.

knowbody • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I have no problem with someone being paid what they are owed… I have a problem with Michael Moore bitching about capitalism, then bitching when he doesn’t get every last penny that he earned under the very system he bitches about… FACE IT MIKE… YOU’RE A CAPITALIST… (not that there’s anything wrong with that).

william shaw • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Does being paid what they are owed include those greedy wall streets that Moore detests?

Kyle • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Are you sure he’s owed this money?

Julia DellaRosa • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing. That is what capitalism is all about. Thank God for capitalism! May it forever reign and thrive here in the good old USA.

Alan Metter • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

It always struck me as odd that those of us who’ve made hit films, often with just modest deals, are widely considered ingrates when we audit and sue to collect the actual amounts due on those deals. The fact that Michael Moore was paid 19.3 million and wants his contractual balance due does NOT make him an ingrate. It makes him a businessman. I doubt his contact reads, “We’ll pay you X percent, unless it’s a really big check.” Maybe it’s Harvey and Bob that have the chutzpa.

Brian • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing is wrong with getting paid so much unless you’re a socialist hypocrite that has made a career out of bashing others that make what he considers “too much”.
Moore is a phony, typical lefty that fools the simple-minded people into thinking his movies are factual.

lc • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

because he is taking the peoples money and lying to them, only he doesn’t work for a bank to which
he had no problem pointing a finger.how many ceo’s had legal contracts and the world cried greedy.
I blame society- highly educated and yet so stupid.
This is what you get from the wealthy of California. People who have a bankrupt state,,go figure

Downward_spiral • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing. How considering that he is such a communist pig, he put his money where his mouth is and redistribute his wealth. That’ll be the day.

Juan Ayala • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

NOTHING! but when it socialist propagandistic make millions from so-called documentary about the evils of capitalism. You can help but yell “hypocrite!”

Dutchmann • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What wrong with Michael Moore, he is a lying, Greedy, two faced, hyporcrit…that’s what wrong with all this he made millions on lies and half-truthes. Not one of his movies were based on, nor did they tell the truth about what actually happened. do your own research and stop believing what Hollywierd and the rest of the America Haters are spewing.

Kathy • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

There’s nothing wrong with being paid what you’re owed but then I’m a capitalist and not a hypocrite. I don’t rake in millions and sue for more millions while trashing millionaires and capitalism on the whole like Moore. The man wants to be taken seriously? Give a few millions to charity or shut the hell up with his wealth bashing. PIG

Dave • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Good God man, you can’t figure out the answer to your question on your own.

I suspect you’re college educated

The idiot Micky (Mouse) Moore babbles on like he’s a great social liberal but the fact is the man’s just a greedy Capitalist like the same one’s he calls greedy.

The lunatic Moore is a sick AH ….

Greg • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He is a big blow hard. He is telling people that capitalism is bad yet he wants all his profits. Talk about calling the kettle black. He should give up every dollar he made from the bogus movie and live in a trailer like the rest of his followers. only the libtard can get away with this junk.

jim jones • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

NOTHING if you don’t complain when OTHERS are paid what they are due. He is simply wanting EVERYONE ELSE to quit making so much money, not himself. Typical arrogant liberal!!@

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The point being, Why is it OK for him to be Rich…

Marc M • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What’s wrong with it is him spouting about how evil the rich are and here he is going after money.

He’s a hypocrite and he is banking on all of you liberal morons to fill his pockets and it’s working.

Ron • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Nothing is wrong with being paid what you worked for! However, the hypocracy of the his words and actions completely rinders is arguments impotent! If we are supposed to be “spreading our wealth” what makes him different from us! Nothing! He’s rich or has too much money and is keeping it for himself. You bet he worked for it, but so does others that are expected to give spread their money around. He needs to shut up and go away! Find a good Socialist nation to move to and go! he can afford it! The only differents is; Under capitalism he can keep his money and sue for more. Under Socialism he can’t because he is making too much and is cheating the people! Moore is your basic liberal Hypocrite! You surrender your stuff while he takes more!

Friend of the Artist • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore will always be my hero for standing up for the people in calling the Iraq war a fake war launched by a fake administration for fake reasons.

Nikki, why take the side of the rich fat cat studio owners over the artist? How much do you make from studio ad money? What if someone decided to start carving off a piece of what you deserved for themselves, because they decided you were greedy to expect your contractual share?

Dave • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

So the fact that he made up almost everything in his movie and got almost every fact wrong or completely out of context or exaggerated means nothing to you?

laughable

Howard Ino • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Ya gotta be kidding…..

Actors make many fold more than the studio owners!

$ 10+ Million a movie…. Perhaps chump change for fat cats like you!

amitore locato • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I’ll like to know how much money “This Fat Pig” gives to the poor, and how much he keeps for himself.

joe • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This article reeks of Hollywood defender. The reality is we all know that Hollywood cooks the books. Moore wants his just due. Stop defending business as usual and villianizing a good man.

shemp • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

ok. but we’ll keep villanizing this puerile dooftard.

SoonerShooter • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This is just too rich! What a pitiful crybaby. He needs a dose of reality by being taken behind the woodshed & receive a good ol’ fashion ass-whooping to straighten this POS out. This entire escapade reveals the liberal left & its “contributions” to society. That is, totally BS & weakness.

Truth Hurtz • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Mr Moore wants to fatten his wallet. He is a tiresome bore. Hey Michael, move to Cuba.

Sylvie • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Common problem among extremist liberals… lol… I wouldn’t pay him one red cent for the crap he spews out of his silly mouth.

Larry Bittner • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Say it ain’t so…a distributor screwing a filmmakers out of money…that never happens here in Hollywood.
Poor Weinstein’s…everyone in Hollywood knows their sterling reputation for proper accounting.

Adam Smith Jr. • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

To the “capitalists” who think he shouldn’t get it because he’s a socialist. Are color, gender and religion also factors that the judicial system should take into account? If those factors differ from your own, he should lose, right? It’s OK to cheat and kill people as long as you don’t empathize for them or identify with them, right?

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He is stealing money off the back of the “working man”! Give THEM the wealth! Vote Democrat in 2012

pilateschic • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Really how do you get all the way to that?? I mean I am a capitalist and I do think he should get what he is owed to him. However, I think it is odd that he would not go to arbitration first, and I do believe that he is a hypocrite capitalist and opportunist. It is not because of this lawsuit that I think these things. It is because he made his money because of capitalism, but he screws his “underlings” the very thing that he rails against. One thing I detest more than a person who cheats the employee, and that is a hypocrite that cheats the employee.

But how do you get to race or religion?? Are you the kind of person that just “talks” without thinking or are you a racist bigot who finds everyone else that thinks different that you a racist bigot? NO ONE has played that card here I hope you are the only one that does. It is getting very old.

Sadsadsad • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The people who love Michael Moore are idiots. The people who revile him are even bigger idiots. Is he half full of crap… obviously. Is he slightly less full of crap then any pundit on FOX news… obviously. He’s a film-maker and films are made for profit. Pay him his due. And leave the Weinstein’s asses alone… they get kissed enough. And are probably pretty gross anyway.

moore for profits • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I find laughable this alleged fraud, has the gonads to sue for more capitalism he said hasn’t helped him MOORE is an alleged fraud and liar if any judge has a good researcher, his own words should be held against him.. Now why do communists need capitalism? The only beneficiaries to any wealth redistribution are the seiu thugs plus he uses non union labor as well. Mike Moore mooching off the brain dead minions, who’s lied about owning evil Haliburton Moore is an alleged fraud, like AL GORE…

charlieg • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I would bet you 19.5 million that this is a standard hollywood procedure and a non story. Who cares what he has already been paid? if hes due the money then he gets the Money. who gives a s$$t.

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

We do. These greedy, gluttonous jerks have been stealing money off the back of the “working man” for too long! We should take all of his wealth and help the “needy”!

Mike • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

For a guy who dispises profits he sure loves his.

Robert Eisenhardt • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

As a survivor from the 101st floor of the SOUTH tower (walked down floor 74 when tower 2 was hit), Moore should shut up. Ever consider Mr. Mike that you would not have made a DIME if those towers were still standing? I know (knew really) about 2,900 people who cannot claim any benefit at all since, oh, September 11, 2001 at either 9:59 or 10:29 in the morning.

Tony • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Typical limosine liberal.

Crkni • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What I’ve never understood about him is if he really believed in what he was producing and the “cause” he is supposedly championing, then sell it out of the back of your own van, allow people to make recordings, to get your message out. If true change is what you want, then stop worrying about how you’re going to get paid.

Kenneth • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Oh This is priceless, absolutely priceless. Michael Moore, a man who is supposedly 100% anti-capatilism, is suing for lost revenue. Does no one else see the irony here? Its like Al Gore being an ultra, save the world hippie, but yet he flies around in a personal jet and lives in a mansion. Talk about not practicing what you preach.

pompey • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

….watching these communist tear each others throats out is better sport than the Super Bowl…..pass the pop corn please!

TRACY • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Come on now you liberal moron–you tout that the rich need to take care of the world start doing it and quit whining because you didn’t get a few million more. This is so typical of LIBERALS…you never have enough but you expect the rest of us to make do with what we have. I say it’s time for Hollywood to start sharing their wealth. I think Prez Obama should go after Hollywood next and make them give up some of their millions for the poor and the homeless. No we don’t want “POOR AID” where you do your little show and expect us to call in and donate no we expect your rich a**es to pay for it.

Otter62 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

But you can’t hold a whole fraternity responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn’t we blame the whole fraternity system? And if the whole fraternity system is guilty, then isn’t this an indictment of our educational institutions in general? I put it to you, Greg – isn’t this an indictment of our entire American society? Well, you can do whatever you want to us, but we’re not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America. Gentlemen!

Mary • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

LOL. Are you talking about the profit he made from an eeeeevil capitalist venture?

JJStryder • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

These people deserve each other.

JOhn Steele • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Your kidding right !!!
This guy is a big fat liar

buckeye • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“rerouted.” nice word. will need to remember that one.
In the Midwest we just call that “theft.”

Barry Champlain • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

As we all know, when you’ve made $19.8 million on a film, and the subject matter peripherally involves a patriotic flashpoint, this automatically allows anyone the right not to pay you the $2.7 million they may owe you. Because you’ve just plain made enough. Or something. A well-known point of law!

Also a matter of record: no one in Hollywood has ever sued anyone else in Hollywood, over disputes involving profits owed. Why, that’s just crazy talk! Especially when you essentially prove that they do it all the time, in your own broadside against him.

I would be semi-fascinated to know what it is about Michael Moore that’s REALLY honking you off, because this is inane. And BTW, I live in NYC, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that just about no one here is so caught up in the whole “Mayor 9.11″ hype, that you couldn’t assemble a jury who wouldn’t be so Outraged at Michael Moore for not drinking the Bush-Cheney Kool-Aid, that they’d never find for him. I defy you to submit the slightest evidence that this would be the case.

And besides, even if I were to stipulate that this were somehow the case, jury shopping is only one of a number of reasons that attorneys file suits where they file them. C’mon, you know this. Gimme a break.

spencer • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He should spread the wealth around. Why does he need this profit? Isn’t the money that he already made enough? I mean it is like a company selling drugs that it designs and produces for profit.

Anonymous • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Business is business, GO GET EM MICHAEL!!!Hit em where it hurts YEA!!!

Skylar Thomas • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore, Weinstein, they’re all slime. I am FDNY, what have these profiteers done for me?

Cebes • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Two simple questions — What does the contract state? Were funds owed diverted via a scheme?

Silly and slanted article especially one that refers to one of the parties as greedy before all the facts are in.

redstatelady • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He needs the money because we all know he’ll take it and immediately go help others that are in need…Oh, wait…he wouldn’t dare do that!

Devereaux • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The logical thing to do, is follow the money and see where it leads….

First off, If Weinstein and Moore were negotiating about the money, then Weinstein or his accountants believed they have a claim supportable by standard accounting practices, or supportable by the witches brew called studio accounting practices. Otherwise, if it goes to court, the Weinsteins will appear to have acted in bad faith, and Moore will have a leg up on a judgement, plus court costs. Since the court costs might end up equaling the judgement, there’s no other reason for Moore to go forward. His attorneys must believe the Weinstein’s case is not supportable by the facts; that their conduct demonstrates a high level of bad faith and he will prevail. Otherwise why do this?

Which leads us here… The meat in this particular stew is that no greater balloon remains to be burst than studio accounting practices, and it would be just like Moore to have recognized the material inherent in his quest for the missing funds, and to have had his cameras working when he had his accountant take a look at the books for 9/11. Call me suspicious, but this sounds like the opening salvo in a publicity campaign for his next picture, where win or lose he will cover the costs of the suit by placing them inside Studio Accounting 101: The Movie.

bobhett • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

It is very evident that most of the posters here have absolutely no idea who Moore is and even where he resides. He lives in a solid Republican area and seems to be well liked by his neighbors.

john • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What’s your point? That “the people” should just sit back and let the big guy fuck them over? Isn’t that passive attitude what got this country into this mess?

Ken • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Aside from the fact that Moore loves capitalism and is a hypocrite, why do we keep referring to his movies as “documentaries” They are not documentaries. His boring predictable movies just present his leftist ideology and far flung arguments, and don’t objectively document or observe anything.

BC • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What’s the big deal? If he’s contractually owed the money, he’s owed the money. Why should Weinstein be more entitled to it than him? Weinstein wouldn’t be the first producer who’s cheated somebody. A judge will decide what’s fair.

george • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

He is such an advocate for poor people he should give that 2.9 mill to the people in East LA.
Put your $$ where your mouth is Fatso..

Martaux • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Lies come at a high price…… Suck it up!

geeegee • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore is very generous but he doesen’t talk about it.
If you make a hit in Hollywood against all odds, you deserve your profits as per your contract.

Mary • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Why does a self proclaimed “man of the people” think he has to look like a disheveled slob? Is this his idea of what working people are? Certainly with his millions he can afford a shave, haircut and style, and some decent clothes, like most working people, and dispense with this patronizing and demeaning mentality that is so typical of wealthy liberals.

pmac • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Amen Mary this fool is nothing other than an agent provacateur.
Give the little people something to feel good about.

jonno • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This is the same bullshit argument: Moore can’t make money on “Capitalism” because the movie speaks mostly against capitalism. This is the conservative left argument. More can’t complain about capitalism because if it wasn’t for capitalism he would not have made many millions. According to this logic, then, only the poor can speak out against capitalism.

cmc • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Thanks Michael:
I see your point this time and the many others of recent past.
You have really redeemed yourself in my eyes, much the way Bruce Willis did as an early actor. I watched you and respect you.
CMC

metajohn • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hipocracy! Moore touts communism and socialism values as better than anything, if he lived in a communist country he would not be paid anything! In fact any money made by the movie would be devided amongst the “people”. ARE YOU ALL SERIOUS TO DEFEND HIM? My beloved country is lost…

Not to mention, they guy is Canadian, if the USA is such a pile of crap to him why does he want to live here?

Prisario • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Wow, I’ve been a fan for a long time and never felt the need to say something until now. First time poster. How wrong it is to imply that a contract should be ignored because Moore’s got enough cash already. Particularly when it’s the Weinsteins in the other corner. So to follow your logic, it’s ok for the Ws to take more than agreed. Niki, love you but it makes me think this is personal and you ain’t no Moore fan.

P

Jimmy Johnson • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Look,

This guy puts out a horrible documentary…PERIOD! I almost feel sorry for the followers who believe in his crap he produces. They will be wrong trying to justify his hypothesis, and it will be them and not Micheal Moore paying the price when they stick up for him!

Lefty • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Hollywood is just chalk full of these Limousine Liberals. They’ve been screwing each other over money for decades.

gregory a.lorenzen • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore has enough money,he just can’t get used to some
people trying to “wet their beaks” on money that is arguably his.
that’s OK … let the lawyers sweat each other.
Kevin Costner said he would need 15M to make “”Dances with Wolves”
THEY said “do it for 12M”.
Is there a disconnect between Art and Money, or is it that really
is no connection at all…

John Sloan • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

How do you spell hippopot– uh I mean hypocrit?

Archy Cary • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Ironically, the man who surfaced with “Roger And Me” has become the personification of that of which he was initially most critical – insensitive greed. Isn’t it amazing.

Charlie O. • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I despise Michael Moore. But because the Weinsteins paid him most of what they owe him, your position is he isn’t entitled to the rest?

Vin • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

not really. If he’s owed the money he should get it

ET • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, how insensitive for Mr.Moore to go after money he believe is his from the richest fellows in Hollywood. I hate Moore, but lets not turn this into anything besides what it is. It isn’t like he is beating up a hooker over the 2 bucks in change she owes him from a $18 bj. This is 2.7 million from folks who put at least that up their nose every month. Let the jury judge who is right and wrong, but who are we to say he should let folks far more wealthy than he is keep the spare change?

MTS • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Drudge has no shame. A picture of the burning Towers and a headline that overtly suggests Moore is profiting from the terror acts, when he is merely suing for a proper share of profits. Nice work, Matt and your not-so-Breit butt boy.

MTS • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Forgot to say FIRST!

Caesar G • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

As the lawyers (correctly) say “The contract speaks for itself.

Raging Tiger • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Well, duh. Anyone who has at least one active brain cell can tell you what a sham shyster Moore has always been. It’s always about others and THEIR greed in his movies.

He KNOWS greed….

Mom830106 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Sicko.

Roberto Fontanez • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What do you expect from this hipocrate, liberal greedy disgusting man. I can’t believe that people even watch whatever crap he works on.

Jeremy • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

What happened to all of his “Capitalism is bad” attitude. Oh wait, I get it, Pot, Kettle, Black. Hypocrite.

Lee Harvey • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If it is what is legally owed then it should be paid.

AtlasObjectivist • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Typical lib.

Bill • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“Now wants to direct a fiction film”. All of his movies are fiction.

celador2 • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I want to hear Moore’s side of this lawsuit before I form an opinion that he is ‘greedy’.
Cel

Capitalist Tool • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore is a big fat capitalist.

John Steele • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Long live Capitalism / Down with Karl Marx

Pam • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Surely to GOD there is a judge, even in California that will spit in his eye and tell him to go to Hell. If there was ever a subject that should never have a profit made from it 9/11 is it. But that greedy gut Moore has no decency or shame and he will try to suck it dry.

les • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This man makes me sick. He has adopted my town, Traverse City, MI, as his “hometown”. I cannot stand the sight of his hypocrital self when I see him waddling around town. He’s the worst of the worse.
This latest display of greed brings a whole new meaning to the title of one of his “films” – “Capitalism – A Love Story”. He is as far from a poor indie film maker as they come.
I wish he would just disappear. What an embarrassment.

Mireya Ayala • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore is a pompous liberal fanatic who is so bigoted and out-of-touch with society that he would rewrite history in a way to benefit his own world view. Go figure.

Explosive Liberrhea • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Perfectly stated.. Perfect

Mary • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Perfectly stated? Alrighty then. Everyone knows where you’re coming from, and it’s not a decent place, imo. Is that because you’re sooo
sure than NO Hollywood movie people have EVER rerouted profits or kept unpaid profits? Lol. Wanna buy an igloo?

W • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Yes, we got your opinion the first 50x you posted.

Kim • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Dear Lord, will these liberals ever see their own hypocrisy? Just looking at Michael Moore, he is symbolic of the left as a whole. Evil, greedy, gluttonous, self-indulgent, entitled, me, me, me; give me my money and your money because I would spend your money better than you would-mentality.

Smart people need to gather and throw these bums the heck out of all controlling authority in our country. Wise up folks. They care not about anyone but themselves and their own ambitions.

Vin • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You know if you replaced the word liberal with conservative it would work just as well. since your statement has almost nothing to do with the issue at hand.

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

This is the most ridiculous comment I have ever read. Conservativism is the ideal of “I got mine” not liberalism. Liberalism is the ideal of trying to make sure that someone looks after the poor and disenfranchised, no matter what their race creed or political belief.

Maalox • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Then why is it that Liberals only care for the downtrodden with other people’s time and money and Conservatives use their own?

stew • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Liberalism has created and maintained generational dependency on the government, call it Uncle Sam’s plantation. Capitalism has been the force to lift people out of poverty and also bankroll (unfortunately) the 40 plus years of LB Johnson’s war on poverty. How is that war going?

Dude • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Conservatism might be “I got mine,” but liberalism is “I should get yours too.”

JJStryder • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Stealing in the name of compassion is still stealing. Enjoying the fruits of ones labor is not a sin.

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Exactly! We need to force Moore to follow the Liberal doctrine! Take his wealth and give it to the needy! Vote Democrat 2012

The Geezer • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Liberalism is the ideal of “I go mine, and you should pay for his, his and his too!”

JJStryder • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Peyton: Define disenfranchised. Then give us one example of whom you speak. Otherwise…….

roddymartindale • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Or maybe he just wants what he earned? Aren’t conservatives supposed to be all for that? Or does it only apply if the ‘whiner’ is a right-winger?

finalcountdown • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

My earlier post got deleted within a minute. Why isn’t he arguing for redistribution of his excess profits? Here’s the real cause of global warming (with a big help from Dennis K)

Bob • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I think this article misses the point when you call him greedy. What it boils down to is is he actually owed this extra money. Did the Weinstein company not pay him what they said they would? If they said they would pay him the extra 2 million and didn’t, Mr. Moore does deserve it.

TK • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore is a cockroach.

but-seriously-folks • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Michael Moore wants to direct a “fictional feature film?” When has he ever done anything else? (Except, of course, that he would call it “fictitional.”

Dean • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I don’t think Moore is greedy. I think he’s just a businessman trying to get what is owed to him. If Moore owed the Weinstein’s a few million dollars, do you think they’d want it? Of course they would. If you were owed a couple of million dollars, you’d do whatever you needed to go get your hands on it. It’s just business, nothing more…nothing less. Don’t be an idiot!

Ed • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Wait. So… the Weinsteins are the ones who are impoverished?

Carlo • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Oh yeah, Michael Moore, right — the guy who did that anti-capitalism movie, right? Once again, the grotesque hypocrisy of liberal “progressives” rears its head.

Speaking of “grotesque” … oh yeah, Michael Moore….

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Why don’t you actually watch the movie before you insult it for a principle it doesn’t even espouse?

Grover Cleveland • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Was there a fatter file photo? Moore looks like Christian Bale in The Fighter in this one…

c4x • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

If he is actually owed the money, I don’t see how that’s being greedy. I doesn’t matter if he made a billion dollars off of the movie and they owe him another dollar and fifty cents. What’s his is his.

Now, if they don’t owe him anything and he’s just being a jerk, that’s another story.

JohnDoe • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I agree. I will always support the person being screwed by the billionaires in the equation. If he’s owed money by the Weinstein’s, then he deserves his share.

I actually like Michael Moore, because he has the balls to stand up for the poor/middle-class and question things like Wall Street and the Health-care industry when no one else seems to give a shit.

GavInTucson • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

John, Moore doesn’t give a shit about the poor or the middle class. He just makes money on their backs promoting class-warfare with his movies.

His charitable donations have been zilch, nodda, bupkis, so save the “he cares” speech.

johndoeisadolt. • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Johndoe you are hilarious. No matter what his point of view is, Moore’s movies are full of lies, half-truths and quotes taken out of context. The guy is the biggest propagandist in my lifetime and morons like yourself support him because he says what you want to hear. If you think his films are fair and truthful, you are living in la la land.

thinkbot • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

And you’re obviously biased. Get a clue, corporate America is screwing us left and right!

thinkbotisadolt • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

But the government isn’t screwing us left and right on an even larger scale, right? Funny how you don’t care when the government does the same thing on a larger scale. Corporation = evil. Government = good. It must be nice to have such a simplistic view of the world. An Obama supporter, right?

And everybody is biased, so your comment doesn’t make a lot of sense. I know the truth is that you just wanted to lash out at me for stating the truth about your hero moore. Please get help soon. Any objective person can put their political views aside and see he is a propagandist.

mediaspork • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

How is corporate America screwing you?

Chris • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

All this talk about big business and big corporations and how they are screwing us. Well what about big government? Big government is what is really screwing us.

When you try to contain big government you hear all this talk about how your denying senior citizens or the poor or the homeless.

Well if we don’t get big government under control there is another group you should worry about, and that is our children and grandchildren.

We are denying them a future and in this future everyone will struggle, and the precious senior citizens, the poor and the homeless will be hit ten fold. There will be a lot more poor and homeless and there will be nothing for them either by government or by charity.

Peyton • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“How is corporate America screwing you?”

Paid your taxes this year? Because most corporations haven’t paid a dime. And they have Fox News to work up the middle class and get them to vote against their own interests to make sure that they will never have to by making sure that the one organization large enough to control them, the government, looks the other way.

Terrified of Big Government? Ask yourself why, because a small government would never have been able to keep this country from falling off the cliff when all the banks almost failed.

Obamunism • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Thats right! Moore has proven he is a huge part of corporate America! We need to take his money (that he made of the back of the “working man”) and give it to the Government for free healthcare for the “needy”! Lets take Moores greedy, gluttonous wealth and spread it around!

trytogetthisthroughyourthickhead • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

AGAIN, If he is actually owed the money, it doesn’t matter if he made a billion dollars off of the movie and they owe him another dollar and fifty cents. What’s his is his.

Evil Conservative • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Actually, Moore would likely say, what’s his is his and what’s yours should mostly be the government’s, so people like him can spend it as they see fit and feel self-righteous about it.

Sherman • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

The lopsidedness of this story is evident. Hollywood accounting is still very much alive and the Weinstein’s know it and have learned from the best. The book: Fatal Subtraction ( if you can find it) explains it pretty well. Moore never claimed to be in the charity business. I could name you at least a dozen of cases where this kind of creative accounting was used. If you squawk you get blacklisted. Period. This has nothing to do with the Moran comments dealing with liberalism.

Jbeast • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Stand up for the poor/middle-class? By taking their stories and making millions of dollars from them? He has never helped these people at all. He doesn’t give money or aid to these victims. He capitalizes on their heartache and parades around like a savior. Meanwhile, he’s making bank and wants more. This is Michael Moore’s shtick. He doesn’t truly believe what he is preaching. He’s a hypocrite of the worst kind, looking to make a buck.

Phil • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“I actually like Michael Moore, because he has the balls to stand up for the poor/middle-class”

He claims to and then distorts things to the point where there’s no truth left and the poor/middle-class movie goers are duped put of their money by this unsavory character.

Gilbert Grape • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

didnt you mean high in fat, low in truth!

Robert • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Beautiful

JR • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

As for Moore having the testicales to stand up for the poor and the middle class, I don’t want that idiot representing me in anything except maybe an eating contest! He is another example of don’t let the real facts get in the way of my argument. Since he has good intentions, he can say or spin his words in any manner he chooses and not be called on it by the mainstream press! I just can’t wait to see some of the press flocking to Cuba for some of the great health care that Moore documented, just don’t plan on the doctors having any drugs or modern equipment to treat your needs! Oh wait, that only applies to the poor and the middle class in Cuba, the politically powerful have their own private clinics that they go to!

Kauaicat • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Moore invests his money in blue chip Fortune 500 stocks – which included Halliburton back before the invasion of Iraq. Prior to 2003, Halliburton was best known as an oil services company, so I guess Moore doesn’t care where he makes his money. And he pretends to be an anti-capitalist.

He’s nothing but a greedy, hypocritical, phony multimillionaire slob. Maybe he should take dietary advice from that noted nutritionist, Michelle Obama.

maryh • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

You mean those on Wall Street and in Health Care aren’t owed money by those who receive their services?

Moore provided a service and expects to be paid. So do physicians, insurance companies, stock brokers and loan agents. Why are they considered greedy for their large income, but Moore is not considered greedy?

schmed • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Leni Rheifenstahl would love this guy.

Grant • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

I am fairly sure reference of “greed” are completely sarcastic, since in his works, Moore demonizes the desire to make profits as greedy. Typical for anticapitalists to think that profit is fine if you earn it, but im moral if someone else does.

GavInTucson • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Well put. He doesn’t mind capitalism as long as he benefits from it. But anyone one else benefiting is somehow “evil.”

Liberalism and hypocrisy are two words easily interchanged.

Spaulding • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“I’ve never been able to understand why a Republican contributor is a ‘fat cat’ and a Democratic contributor of the same amount of money is a ‘public-spirited philanthropist’.”
Ronald Reagan

LarryNYC • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

Well, it is pretty obvious we just read the Weinstein Company’s interpretation of events. Who cares how much MM has already been paid? Would anybody like to be squeezed out of “only” a couple Mil. if they were owed it?

TxVet • on Feb 7, 2011 7:08 pm

“Further, the lawsuit blindsided the Weinsteins who for the past six months offered to go to mediation on what their reps are calling a “standard accounting dispute” — but Moore kept rejecting that out of hand. And, as recently as last week, the Weinsteins were discussing with Moore doing another movie together because insiders tell me that Moore next wants to direct a fictional feature film.”
That is what is wrong with this! They offered to go to mediation, typical in a contract dispute and he said “NO” and then sued while at the same time dicussing his next movie (contract) with them.